Film of the week: Lars And The Real Girl

By Anonymous

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

What’s it all about? Ryan Gosling plays shy oddball Lars, who’s looking for love. He thinks he’s found it in the shape of Bianca, a silicone sex doll he ordered over the Internet. Emotionally damaged, Lars treats Bianca like a real girlfriend and introduces her to his family. The doctor advises his brother Gus (Schneider) and his sister-in-law Karin to go along with the delusion, and Bianca becomes part of the small town’s society.What’s good? This endearingly bonkers little film received an Oscar nomination for its quirky screenplay, which has some very funny moments.

Ryan Gosling plays shy oddball Lars

Lars dresses the doll up, pushes her around in a wheelchair and claims she’s a missionary – and while the kind townsfolk raise their eyebrows, they all play along, too. Ryan Gosling is excellent, as is Emily Mortimer as the spirited, concerned Karin.What’s bad? It’s hard to believe in Lars’ delusional condition, or in the way everyone reacts to it. This surreal element feels odd in an otherwise down-to-earth indie drama.OK! verdict: 3/5 Ryan Gosling does it again in this offbeat tale with a heart-warming conclusion. The story’s a bit flimsy, but it’s a fun watch.